I would explain to the students that art is another form of expression, like music or even a book. Art is what brings a story to life. Tell the students to imagine all books with only words in them and know illustrations. You could also do a lesson on art through history and talk about ancient Egyptians using art to communicate and express themselves.

Art as a form of expression alone should have value within a school. Unfortunately, the school climate being what it is, art is usually the first to be placed on the chopping block. Art is very important to students though, and beside being a release in an extremely vigorous day of work, and a character/skill building activity, as a self esteem building opportunity--it actually can help them academically! Setting things to song helps people retain information--ask your colleagues if they learned the song with all fifty states in alphabetical order when they were younger. If so, one will still be able to sing it. Why is the alphabet taught in song? Why do we use sing song chants to remember important information in early grades? It is because it helps us retain the information while also enjoying the act of learning. Singing is just more fun! What about math? Modeling pictures for problems helps students visualize a problem--it presents the information in a new way. When information is received through multiple modalities, a student is more likely to make connections to it. What about patterns and geometric symbols? How can art relate to these and help students learn? The arts are extremely important for student growth. If you need back-up, there are many many fantastic resources on the web that can help convince your colleagues.

Educate the students and teachers (if possible) about the importance and involvement of art in everyday life. For example, music is something that many people love, but do not understand that it is a form of art. Use music as a form of visual and audio art to get the point across.

I would hold an art show at the school show casing student art that has been influenced by past artists such as, Van Gogh. This would show the talent children have and allow other staff and fellow students appreciate the arts.

I would explain to the principal or other teachers the importance of art in its transfer to academic success in other content areas. In addition, you can explain that art including music, paintings, photography, etc. incorporates various mathematical, historical, and scientific concepts. Enthusiastic and engaging instruction can help students become more interested in art.

I would share with the school and/or students the effect arts can have on a person. Give them lots of examples even of people who it has helped even if their art is not considered "good". Art classes aren't about just teaching the students how to draw or paint, it is there as an outlet for students. It is their so that they can expand their horizons.

Art is an excellent form of expression. It can and should be incorporated into every subject. I would inform students that art is not just crafts and coloring. Art is music and photography but it is also the food that they eat (culinary arts) the clothes that they wear (fashion design), the books they read (literary arts), cartoons they watch (animation), and the movies they watch (special effects). Everything that they see, everyday, is the product of someone's creative expression. If they think these things are interesting and important then they are an art enthusiast and did not even realize it.

I would explain and show the teachers that art is an important subject for students to learn and be involved in. I would explain that Art is important because it gives students a break from learning in the classroom and gives the students a chance to practice their creative thinking skills. These creative thinking skills can be applied to their learning in the classroom.